Time capsule: teen entertains with accordion
It was Weird Al Yankovic who first sparked Stephen Wuchina's interest in playing the accordion. Five years later, it was classical and French music that kept him playing for an appreciative audience.
In 2010, the 16-year-old Connoquenessing resident turned his hobby into entertainment for diners at Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople. On most Thursdays, his father had shuttled him to the home's dining hall so he could entertain folks as they ate dinner.
Teen volunteers were common at the home, said Donna Cawthorne, who headed the volunteer program at Passavant at the time. But Stephen's reason for showing up each week — love of the instrument — set him apart.
“They are usually doing it for a school project or the National Honor Society. Stephen is not doing it for that reason. He's not under any requirement,” she said.
